This week we are taking a mini sabbatical from wine to pay homage to the upcoming Kentucky Derby. I asked Terry for her take on libations for this special event and of course she had the perfect response!!
There are many avenues one can travel down in life but I believe there are certain experiences that we should all have at least once. For me one of my life’s dreams was to attend the Kentucky Derby, which I did many years ago with the family that founded Wild Turkey Bourbon.
I remember the day as if it were yesterday. We arrived at the track and were herded in like fine cattle all dressed up. There were so many people in the stands as well as the infield. It is the event of the year for Churchill Downs. Be prepared since throughout the whole Derby you are consuming those wonderful mint juleps in souvenir glasses to take home. In fact each year almost 120,000 juleps are served at Churchill Downs over the two day period of the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby, virtually all of them in the specially made Kentucky Derby collectible glasses.
It is indeed a sight to be seen, although you don’t actually get to see much of the race. Everyone is standing, jumping up and down and cheering unless you are confirmed in one of the $35,000 tables at the finish line!!
The Kentucky Derby is like what we call in our wine business, terroir. It is not just the race (or in terroir, the soil), it is the whole culture that goes with the weekend. It is the special Derby parties at certain restaurants, it is visiting one of the Bourbon houses, it is visiting the horses in the paddock if that is an option. Just like terroir, it is the weather, atmosphere, micro or macro climate – it is the entire experience. Then of course, just like with the recent royal wedding, there are the hats. But the one constant, year after year, is the special Derby drink, the mint julep.
A mint julep is traditionally made with four ingredients: mint, bourbon, sugar and water. Traditionally, spearmint is the mint of choice used in Southern states especially Kentucky. In preparing a mint julep, a fresh mint sprig is used primarily as a garnish, to introduce the flavor and aroma through the nose. If mint leaves are used in the preparation, they should just be very lightly bruised, if at all. However, proper preparation of the cocktail is commonly debated, as methods may vary considerably from one bartender to another. Another method of preparing a mint julep is to make what is referred to as a “smash”, in which fresh mint and other ingredients are crushed in preparation for flavoring the finished drink. This step further releases essential oils and juices into the mixture, intensifying the flavor.
Traditionally, mint juleps were often served in silver or pewter cups, and held only by the bottom and top edges of the cup. This allows frost to form on the outside of the cup. Today, mint juleps are most commonly served in a tall old-fashioned glass, Collins glass, or highball glass with a straw.
The origins of the mint julep are unclear and may never be definitively known. The first appearance of a mint julep in print came in a book by John Davis published in London in 1803, where it was described as “a dram of spirituous liquor that has mint steeped in it, taken by Virginians of a morning.” However, Davis did not specify that bourbon was the spirit used.
The mint julep originated in the southern United States, probably during the eighteenth century. U.S. Senator Henry Clay of Kentucky introduced the drink to Washington, D.C., at the Round Robin Bar, above, in the famous Willard Hotel during his residence in the city. The term ‘julep’ is generally defined as a sweet drink, particularly one used as a vehicle for medicine. The word itself is derived from Arabic and Persian meaning rose water. Americans enjoyed not only bourbon based juleps during the nineteenth century, but also gin based juleps made with genever an aged gin.
Bourbon has become quite a hot item these days, whether in a mint julep or not. Over the past four years, there has been a huge increase in the number of specialty bourbons on the market, harkening back to the last generation when a cocktail was a straight up Manhattan – a good drink with rye, whiskey or bourbon. Some of the newer single barrel bourbons that would be great to use in your mint julip or just on the rocks are Bookers (above), Blanton’s (below),
Pappy Van Winkle (very difficult to get)
Hudson Valley
and Wild Turkey Rare Breed
But as for drinking anything else at the Derby – it is really all about the Mint Julep!!
Since I am commenting in the middle of the night and headed for bed, does that mean I can still sneak a sip?! That’s the spirit :) I saved every article and recipe I have ever found on mint julep cups from Southern Accents and Southern Living! Have a wonderful Wednesday XO, Kelly
This is my favorite post yet, q. In my neck of the woods we often taste mint juleps, and Wild Turkey is no stranger to my bar!
I really appreciate the history on this along with introductions to some new bourbons. My regular is with ginger ale, but if I have mint simple syrup around, the julep is my first choice, and I prefer mine in a silver cup.
I would love to be heading to the Kentucky Derby. Maybe next year.
Have a great Wednesday. I am up with a sick puppy, so I will most likely sleep through part of the day.
Teresa
xoxo
I simply adore mint juleps and am so glad I’ll have an excuse to drink a few this Saturday. I’m a traditionalist though when it comes to my juleps. It’s Maker’s Mark all the way for me.
120,000 mint juleps-that is something! I’d love to attend one day and wear a fabulous hat!
xoxo,
Chic ‘n Cheap Living
I love Derby Day! The julep cups will be excused from their regular duty as flower vases to come serve their real purpose.
Nothing so nice as a cool julep in a silver cup!
The first thing I did when we moved to Lexingotn 10 years ago was prepare for Derby by planting mint! Little did I know it would take over the property! Makers Mark, plenty of mint, and little league games will rule the day. We usually have a casual Derby party with pretty hats on the patio, and 10 pairs of baseball cleats left at the front door. Makes for a lively group. I’ll wait to pull out the fine linens & silver when we get old!
Great post Q!
xo Lisa
With much of my family from the South, we are all about the bourbon! Off to the races…xx
I love bourbon. My father used to drink bourbon and coke when I was little and he would give me little sips. So wrong of him but he knew even back then, I appreciated good tastes. However, where have I been? I have never had a mint julep! I am really beginning to want to try out my hand at mixed drinks. This weekend, when we go out, I am going to order one and try it out.
the derby is always another good excuse to down bourbon & abuse a hat! the julep is one of the best things of the race whether in attendance or watching the run on tele
what an exciting race..love all the clothing and hats worn at the event…
and of course, the mint julep…fabulous…
maureen
More hats! Fabulous. I would love to have the experience of attending the Kentucky Derby someday. But at least on Saturday I’ll be able to make a yummy mint julep. Cheers!
Jeanne
That mint julep in the silver cup looked so delicious and refreshing! What a great post, so interesting on the history of this legendary cocktail. Loved the picture of all those great hats!
mmm, I could use a mint julip right about now. nevermind that its only 11:47 in the morning :)
Oh my goodness, look at all those amazing hats and the Kentucky Derby sounds fantastic. Such a beautiful post! Have a lovely day, my dear
Kisses
Ps: I’m hosting a cute necklace GIVEAWAY today! Hope you’ll join in!
I have never had a proper mint julep… shame.
I think bourbon smells like pound cake!!
fun post!
joan
amazing hats! I love Derby Day!
Ohhhh this is the most wonderful post! I love horse races and almost every year I’ve gone to the Derby, but not this year. I’ll be walking over to a friend’s home for a Mint Julep Buffet Party. And, I’m researching which horse I’m betting on (for fun only). Hats Hats Hats Hurray !!
What a way to make watching the Derby on tv even more fun. I need the cups.
I’ve never had a Mint Julep! I think it mght be time to do so in honor of the Derby…what better excuse can there be!
xo J~
I always learn so much from reading your posts! I think it would be so fun to attend the derby. One of these days! Now I want a mint julep!
You can take a gal out of Kentucky, but you can’t take the Kentucky out of a gal. My Father always loves to say, Kentucky, known for it’s beautiful horses and fast women. My Mother still blushes – as they near the bend for 63 years of marriage. I adore a good mint julep and have many of the coveted Derby glasses.
pve
we used “buffalo trace” bourbon for our julep. delish.